Wadsworth High School
Newspaper II/III
april/may 2014
The
BRUIN
1870 - 2014 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 143 years of Excellence in Education”
Volume XXXVIV No. 7
Last Day of School: May 29
625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
$1.00
Farr named Teacher of the Year BY HANNAH STUDENIC
As the Fine Arts Assembly presented many awards to talented individuals, the most anticipated award was saved for the end. Teacher of the Year is a very prestigious honor given to only the best teachers of WHS. This tradition has been around for decades, and it does not seem to be ending anytime soon. This year, Michelle Farr earned the most distinguished Teacher of the Year award. Each year, a new teacher is chosen by the National Honor Society after nominations from the teaching staff and student body. Teacher of the Year is a way of showing appreciation for what teachers do for WHS students. Like many teachers, Farr goes above and beyond to educate her students. However, Farr’s attention to student success has made her stand apart from many other teachers. Farr teaches Algebra 2 and Integrated Math 3. In addition to teaching math, she just
finished her last year as girls cross country coach and the boys track distance team coach. As a child, Farr was raised with two younger siblings on a farm in Medina, Ohio. After changing her major five times, Farr earned her teaching degree at Bowling Green University. She became interested in teaching math after tutoring a peer in college. Although she had hated the subject in high school, she decided that she was able to explain it very well. “The fact that I hated math, and the fact that I struggled,” said Farr, “allowed me to excel.” Farr’s teachings have left a long-lasting impact on many. Kyle Joseph, 12, had this to say about Farr: “She was the only one worried about me dropping out, and she cares more about me.” Farr cares deeply about each student, saying her favorite thing is to “watch their self confidence grow and see how it affects their learning.” Farr, unlike many teachers in
What is your reaction to the recent attacks on schools?
“These attacks have made me think about what I would do if an intruder entered the building.” -Connor, 10
“It is scary to think about if it were to happen. However, I feel safe in our school.” -Sam, 9
“It is unfortunate that people are not guaranteed a sense of safety in our building. High school is a place of education and development, not fear and insecurity.” -Elaine, 11
“The recent attacks in schools have brought much concern to me in school safety.” -Brady, 10
Inside
the
Bruin:
Fine Arts Assembly brings color to its audience – page 8 Students showcase talents in the arts Barbecuing Hamlet lights up stage Drama department features spin on William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet
– page 8
Stressed out? How to prepare for the stress of finals
– page 18
Farr is stunned to see her family arrive to congratulate her on receiving the Teacher of the Year award.
Quintin Douglas’ (12) opinion, “does not stop teaching when the lesson is done, and she wants to see you succeed.” Farr has changed many students’ opinions on school and their lives. When not teaching, Farr works diligently to coach her cross country and track teams. Her love for running has not only catapulted her to become an excellent coach, but it has been a major outlet for her. After losing her father and running partner, Farr looked to running to help her in tough times. This adversity has led Farr to challenge herself in many aspects. Farr is not only the Teacher of the Year, but she is a role model to many students. Receiving this award is very special to her because her, “seniors do not do what is required, but they took the extra time to do this for me.” Farr encourages everyone to be patient with others and believe in yourself. Farr has made a long lasting impact in and out of the classroom setting.
Below: Farr poses for a picture at the Fine Arts Assembly with her family after receiving the Teacher of the Year award. PHOTO BY ALEX LENC
PHOTO BY JESSICA DOHERTY
Violence in schools on rise BY ROBERT HAHN
School is supposed to be a place where everyone feels safe and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute his or her opinion. Recently, schools have become an epicenter to violent attacks on innocent people. Attacks such as those on Sandy Hook Elementary, Virginia Tech, and Chardon High demonstrated the increased amount of disturbances. These arbitrary shootings and knifings illustrate the amount of bullying taking place in schools all over the country. According to James Garbarino, professor of psychology at Loyola University Chicago and author of “Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them,” the problems facing the people who commit these crimes are not uncommon. These include depression
and anger about feelings of rejection and exclusion. Many of them have had concerns about their mental health. Some sporadic event usually pushes them over the edge. Another problem is easy access to weapons. Whether from the gun safe in their basement or from an unauthorized dealer, kids can easily garner the use of firearms. This presents a terrible opportunity for disturbed kids to take out their anger. Although playing violent video games may not necessarily determine violent or aggressive behavior, it may increase precursors to violent behavior. In fact, Dr. Cheryl Olson, an internationally known expert on the effects of electronic media on children, points out that violent video games may be related to bullying, which researchers have found to be a risk factor for more serious violent behavior. The combination
index Page Editorial.........................................................2 News.............................................................3 Opinion......................................................6,7 Ads ..................................................4,5,12,13 Picture Pages .........................................10,11 Features........................................................8 Entertainment............................................... 9 Sports.....................................................14,15 Community.............................................16,17 Health..........................................................18 Of the Month...............................................19 Speakout.....................................................20
of these elements provide the perfect mixture for an attack. Wadsworth schools have taken its own measures to prevent any of these attacks from happening, predominately in a program dubbed “ALICE” training. The program outlines three basic options in case of an attack: run, hide, or fight. The program’s policies sharply contrast old lockdown procedures. Now when an attacker is in the building, students and teachers can fight back with books, chairs, and even desks if the situation is dire enough. “I feel so much safer now that we practice the ALICE techniques,” said Sydney Neugebauer, 10. Recently, Medina High School joined the growing list of schools practicing the ALICE techniques. School systems all around the country are stepping up and attempting to alleviate the problem.
Memorial *Issue Day 4Tribute withdrawn on Sept. 4, 2008
The Boy with the Leaky Boot Statue will be unveiled on May 26 at 10 a.m. during a dedication ceremony at the Gazebo.
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